Veterans Memorial first CCISD school to advance to third round since '03

Led by junior David Soto, Corpus Christi's Veterans Memorial topped Brownsville Veterans Memorial in a high-scoring game Friday at Buc Stadium. The Eagles are the first CCISD team to advance to the third round since 2003.
Quinton Martinez

Buy Photo

Frank Jones Jr. finished with 101 yards rushing and a touchdown as Veterans Memorial became the first CCISD team to advance to the third round since 2003.(Photo: Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times)Buy Photo

What this game means: The Eagles (11-1) became the first CCISD team to advance to the third round of the playoffs since King in 2003. David Soto was a jack-of-all-trades offensively for the Eagles, rushing for a touchdown, passing for a touchdown and catching a touchdown pass from Joseph Gonzalez. The Eagles overcome a 500-yard rushing night from the Chargers, who were also seeking their first trip to the third round.

Friday's highlight: The Chargers drove 59 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in the first half to tie the game at 27, but the Eagles were ready for the ensuing squib kick. J.P. Newman took the bouncing kick at the 23 and initially looked right, before deciding he had no blocking in the direction. He hung a left and found open space and then tiptoeing the sideline, Newman cut in and raced the final 25 yards for a touchdown as time expired to give the Eagles a 34-27 edge at the break.

Friday's stars: Soto caught a 74-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the game, setting up a big day offensively. Lining up at quarterback, running back and receiver, the Eagles' junior tallied 159 yards rushing, 153 yards receiving and 25 yards passing accounting for four of his team's scores. Frank Jones Jr. had a workmanlike night with 19 carries, 101 yards and a touchdown. Gonzalez was 9 of 14 for 218 yards and a touchdown.